To boot means to kick something forcefully. A soccer player boots the ball downfield, sending it flying with a powerful strike. When you boot a can down the sidewalk, you're not tapping it gently, you're giving it a solid kick.

The word also refers to sturdy footwear that protects your feet and ankles. Cowboys wear leather boots for riding horses, hikers wear boots with thick soles for rough trails, and rain boots keep your feet dry in puddles. Boots are tougher and more protective than regular shoes, often coming up higher on your leg.

In computing, when you boot a computer, you start it up and get it running. The computer goes through its startup process, loading all the programs it needs to work. You might reboot your tablet if it freezes, forcing it to start fresh.

You might also hear someone say “to boot,” meaning “in addition” or “besides.” If your friend says their new puppy is cute, playful, and well-trained to boot, they mean the good training is an extra bonus on top of everything else.